Veena Malik speaks out against body shaming

Former actress addresses criticism of her weight gain in viral video

KARACHI:

Pakistani television host and former actress Veena Malik has spoken out against body-shaming after a video of her addressing criticism over her weight gain went viral on social media.

In the video, Malik expresses her frustration over repeatedly being criticised for her physical appearance, saying she is tired of hearing comments about her weight and being subjected to hurtful comparisons.

"I am tired of hearing, 'You have become fat,' 'You have gained weight,' and 'You look like a buffalo.' I was unaware of the pain of overweight people until I gained weight myself," she said.

Reflecting on her experience, Malik pointed out that gaining and losing weight are natural parts of life and should not become reasons for humiliating someone.

"Listen to me, in life, you gain weight and you shed weight. You guys have made my life difficult. At home, people think that healthy people eat everything, while outside, people say you are fat. The whole team keeps saying, 'Oh, you've gained weight, your face looks chubby,'" she added.

Malik further said that she was already aware of her weight gain and did not need constant reminders from people around her.

"For God's sake, I have gained weight, I haven't lost my vision or something like that! I can see my weight, I know it is high time I should reduce it. It just happened that I have eaten a lot. Now, please stop calling me Moti," she said.

Veena Malik rose to prominence through television projects including Hum Sab Umeed Se Hain and Misfit, as well as films such as Muhabbatan Sachiyan, Tere Pyar Mein and Salakhain. She also gained international recognition through her appearance on the Indian reality show Bigg Boss.